Understanding your CP53A notice

 

What this notice is about

We tried to direct deposit your refund, but the financial institution couldn’t process it. We’re researching your account for the next steps.


What you need to do

  • If you don’t receive your refund check or a follow-up letter within 10 weeks, call us at the number on your notice. Please have your paperwork (such as cancelled checks, amended return, etc.) ready when you call.
  • If you call us before 10 weeks, we won’t have any information about the status of your refund.

Frequently asked questions

A financial institution can reject a refund for many reasons. Usually though, one of the following items doesn't match its records:

  • Name
  • Social Security number
  • Routing number
  • Account number

We must research your account to determine if you should get the refund. We try to balance customer service and tax compliance by reviewing tax returns to prevent fraudulent or incorrect refunds. These critical reviews take time. The following also affect time frames:

  • Bankruptcy
  • An open audit
  • A balance due on a related account (such as a different tax year)

Unfortunately, calling the IRS can’t speed up your refund. You don’t need to call us unless we ask you to do so. If we need more information to process your refund, we’ll contact you by mail. Our telephone assistors cannot provide any additional information.

Unfortunately, we can’t guarantee the date when a taxpayer will get their refund. While we can estimate, this is a “best-case scenario” where the tax return doesn’t require any additional review or corrections. We issue refunds as quickly as possible.

No. You can direct your refund to any of your checking or savings accounts, but you can’t direct your refund to someone else’s account (except for your spouse’s account, if you have a joint refund).


Tips for next year

If you request a direct deposit refund, ensure the account you specify is in your name (or your spouse’s if you have a joint refund).

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